© Photo by Rachel Scopes Peacock Butterfly Inachis io A strikingly beautiful, red butterfly, so-named for the large blue and yellow ‘eyes’ on each upper-wing, similar in appearance to the tail feathers of a Peacock. © Photo by Joshua Copping It is on the wing throughout the year, having several broods, and overwinters as an adult. A very common butterfly, the Peacock is a regular visitor to our gardens where it feeds on Buddleia and other flowers. The caterpillars feed on Common Nettles. How to Identify Unmistakable, perhaps the most familiar butterfly. Where to Find Found right across the country, although less common in northern Scotland. How people can help Butterflies such as the Peacock will happily visit your garden and are a joy to watch. To attract Peacocks into your garden, plant Buddleia bushes and nectar-rich borders for them to feed on, and leave patches of nettles for the caterpillars. For overwintering insects, plant climbing Ivy and shrubs. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there’s plenty of facts and tips to get you started. Did you know? When alarmed, the Peacock is able to make a hissing noise by rubbing its wings quickly together. Along with the eye-spots it displays, this enables it to scare-off predators. Key FactsWingspan: 6.3-7.5 cm Donate Donate to help support Peacock Butterfly and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Cinnabar Invertebrates Common Blue Invertebrates Common Woodlouse Invertebrates Four-Spotted Chaser Invertebrates Harvestman Spider Invertebrates Honey Bee Invertebrates Magpie Moth Invertebrates Mayfly Invertebrates Meadow Brown Butterfly Invertebrates Orange-Tip Butterfly Invertebrates Painted Lady Butterfly Invertebrates Speckled Wood Butterfly Invertebrates White-tailed Bumblebee Invertebrates Wood Ant Invertebrates